TL;DR
Clicks has introduced the Communicator, a compact Android smartphone built around a physical keyboard and productivity-focused interface. It runs Android 16, supports 5G, and pairs a small 4.03-inch OLED with a 4,000mAh battery and a tactile keyboard that doubles as a touchpad.
What happened
Clicks unveiled the Communicator, a new handset that revives the business-oriented, physical-keyboard ethos associated with older BlackBerry devices. The device runs Android 16 and connects over 5G, but purposely prioritizes focus-friendly software choices: apps appear in a list via Niagara Launcher rather than a colorful grid, and a programmable side key offers shortcuts to voice notes, text-to-speech and transcription tools. Hardware highlights intended for productivity include a notification LED, a mute switch, a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD expansion and swappable rear casings. The built-in keyboard is larger than Clicks’ earlier iPhone accessory and also serves as a touchpad. Under the hood are a 4.03-inch OLED screen, a 4nm chipset and a 4,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. Pricing starts at $499, with an early-bird option bringing the cost to $399 if purchased before February with a $199 deposit.
Why it matters
- Reintroduces a full, integrated physical keyboard for users seeking tactile typing on a modern smartphone.
- Positions hardware and software choices around reducing distractions and improving focused work sessions.
- Maintains modern connectivity (Android 16 and 5G) so it can function alongside mainstream phones and services.
- Includes legacy-friendly hardware (3.5mm jack, microSD, notification LED) that many recent phones have removed.
Key facts
- Runs Android 16 and supports 5G connectivity.
- Uses Niagara Launcher to display apps as a list rather than a grid.
- Programmable side key for voice notes, text-to-speech or transcription shortcuts.
- Physical keyboard larger than Clicks’ earlier accessory; keyboard also functions as a touchpad.
- 4.03-inch OLED display paired with a 4nm processor.
- 4,000mAh silicon-carbon battery.
- Includes a notification LED, mute switch, 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD expansion.
- Swappable rear casings for visual customization.
- Retail price set at $499; pre-orders with a $199 deposit reduce price to $399 if purchased before February.
What to watch next
- Exact shipping dates and broader availability outside the early-bird window: not confirmed in the source.
- Independent reviews and real-world battery/runtime performance once hardware reaches reviewers: not confirmed in the source.
- Carrier compatibility, warranty terms and after-sales support in key markets: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Niagara Launcher: An Android home screen app that emphasizes a simplified, list-based app view designed to reduce clutter and speed access to frequently used items.
- 5G: The fifth generation of mobile networks, offering higher data speeds and lower latency compared with previous cellular standards.
- microSD: A removable memory card format used to expand the storage capacity of compatible devices.
- OLED: A display technology where each pixel emits its own light, enabling deep blacks and strong contrast in compact screens.
- Touchpad: A touch-sensitive surface that lets users control a cursor or perform gestures without touching the main display.
Reader FAQ
What operating system does the Communicator run?
It runs Android 16.
Does the Communicator have a built-in physical keyboard?
Yes. It has an integrated keyboard larger than Clicks’ earlier iPhone accessory, and the keyboard also works as a touchpad.
How big is the battery and display?
The phone has a 4,000mAh silicon-carbon battery and a 4.03-inch OLED screen.
When will the Communicator ship broadly?
not confirmed in the source
The Click Communicator combines classic Blackberry function with modern smartphone form By Mark Jansen Published 31 minutes ago Mark has almost a decade of experience reporting on mobile technology, working…
Sources
- The Click Communicator combines classic Blackberry function with modern smartphone form
- Clicks Keyboard case: transform your phone with buttons
- Clicks launches BlackBerry-style phone and a $79 keyboard
- transform your phone with buttons
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